
Towards an Era of Development
The Globalization of Socialism and Christian Democracy
Peter Van Kemseke
A world of difference separates global politics in 1945 from 1965. In the twenty years after the second world war, a 'Third World' was added to the Cold War concepts of the 'First' and 'Second' worlds, and post-war decolonization had ushered in an 'era of development'. For the first time ever, theories and policies to eradicate underdevelopment became prominent on the global agenda and advanced to the top priority on the United Nations' agenda.
This international evolution inevitably had a dramatic impact on Socialism and Christian Democracy, two major ideologies which had their roots in Western Europe. Both became part of the global political dialogues taking place beyond Europe's borders. The result was a fascinating clash of Western and non-Western belief systems. But was it only that? Or were these political ideologies being used as vehicles for promoting national interests? Was the expansion of both ideologies beyond Europe driven, or even manipulated by realpolitical considerations or can ideologies truly wield autonomous international momentum capable of influencing global politics on their own? And how successful were these ideologies in expanding beyond their European home base? These are questions that seem more relevant to explore today than ever before.
Introduction
From Cold War to Third World
Part I
Social Democracy and Christian Democracy on the eve of their global expansion, 1945-1950
1. Social Democratic and Christian Democratic Transnationalism: A True Reflection of National Politics
2. Social Democratic and Christian Democratic Transnationalism: A True Reflection of International Politics
Part II
The Socialist International and the Nouvelles Equipes Internationales in the period of their global expansion, 1950-1960
1. The Socialist International goes Global: British Interests, International Pressure and Missionary Zeal, 1950-1955
2. New Opportunities and Known Limits: Socialist Globalization between 1955 and 1960
3. The NEI's Reason for Existence: To Realize the European Ideal, 1950-1955
4. The NEI Testing the Waters beyond Europe, 1955-1960
Part III
The discovery of the Third World, 1960-1965
1. The Politicized 'Third World' of the 1950's
2. 1959-1960: The Third World in the Spotlight
3. Third World Vistas near and far in the Early 1960's
Conclusion
National and International Driving Forces of Globalization
The UN, a Catalyst of Transnational Globalization
The Three Pillars of Development Thinking
Abbreviations
Bibliography
Index on persons
Colophon
Format: Monograph - ebook
324 pages
ISBN: 9789461661098
Publication: November 15, 2006
Series: KADOC-Studies on Religion, Culture and Society 5
Languages: English
Stock item number: 46223